The 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal at the Bell Centre was a spectacle, and Canadiens GM Kent Hughes ensured it was unforgettable. With the first overall pick, Hughes shocked the hockey world by selecting winger Juraj Slafkovsky over the consensus top prospect, Shane Wright. The surprise didn’t stop there. Moments later, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a blockbuster trade: Montreal sent a draft pick and defenseman Alexander Romanov to the New York Islanders in exchange for their first-round pick.
Before the crowd could process that deal, Bettman delivered another shock. The newly acquired pick, along with an additional asset, was sent to the Chicago Blackhawks for Kirby Dach, a former third-overall pick. The bold move addressed Montreal’s need for a centerman and silenced critics who had clamoured for the team to draft a center.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Acquiring Dach came at a steep cost, and questions lingered about the 21-year-old’s injury history. However, in his first season with the Canadiens, Dach showcased his potential, notching a career-high 14 goals and 38 points. Hughes looked like a genius. But just as excitement built, disaster struck. Early in the 2023-24 season, Dach suffered a severe knee injury during a freak collision, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
Surprisingly, the Canadiens weathered Dach’s absence, thanks in part to Sean Monahan. The oft-injured forward had signed a one-year deal and was enjoying a career resurgence. Monahan not only provided valuable support to Nick Suzuki but also excelled on the power play. His strong play eventually led to a trade to the Winnipeg Jets at the deadline. Despite Monahan’s efforts, the Canadiens still felt the void left by Dach’s injury.
A Challenging Return
Dach could have returned for a few games at the end of last season, but both he and the organization opted for a fresh start this year. Expectations were tempered, knowing he’d need time to shake off rust. But 26 games into the season, the struggles have persisted far longer than anticipated. Even head coach Martin St. Louis, known for his patience, benched Dach briefly and demoted him to the fourth line to spark improvement.
The numbers tell the story. With just one goal, eight points, and a league-worst -21 rating, Dach’s performance has raised concerns. Despite averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game—including significant power-play opportunities—his impact has been minimal. Flashes of his old form have been too rare to make a meaningful difference.
Position Questions and Patience
A recurring debate is whether Dach is better suited as a center or a winger. The Canadiens’ coaching staff has experimented with both roles, trying to ignite his game. Thus far, neither position has yielded consistent results.
Montreal desperately needs a second-line center to relieve the pressure on Suzuki. The organization remains confident that Dach can fill that role, evident in their decision to pair him with high-caliber wingers like Patrik Laine and Juraj Slafkovsky following Laine’s return from injury.
The Road Ahead
The Canadiens invested heavily in acquiring Dach and are committed to giving him every opportunity to prove his worth. Fans and media alike must temper their frustrations, recognizing the ebbs and flows of a young player’s development. Unfortunately, the Montreal market is notorious for turning underperforming players into scapegoats, and Dach is already feeling the heat. Criticism has escalated to the point where he had to disable comments on his Instagram account—a clear sign of the relentless pressure in hockey’s most intense market.
With Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson enjoying strong seasons, the spotlight has shifted to Dach, Alex Newhook, and Mike Matheson. For Dach, regaining his form is crucial—not just for the team’s success but also for his own confidence.
Montreal is hailed as one of the best places to play in the NHL when things are going well. But for struggling players, it’s a different story. Here’s hoping Kirby Dach can turn the corner soon and remind everyone why the Canadiens took a leap of faith on him.
